IMAS 04.

10
Second Edition
(01 January 2003)

IMAS 04.10
Second Edition
01 January 2003
Incorporating amendment number(s) 1 & 2

Glossary of mine action terms,

definitions and abbreviations

Director,
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS),
2 United Nations Plaza, DC2-0650
New York, NY 10017
USA

Email: mineaction@un.org
Telephone: (1 212) 963 1875
Fax: (1 212) 963 2498
 IMAS 04.10
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Warning
This document is current with effect from the date shown on the cover page. As the
International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) are subject to regular review and revision,
users should consult the IMAS project website in order to verify its status at
(http://www.mineactionstandards.org/, or through the UNMAS website at
http://www.mineaction.org).

Copyright notice
This UN document is an International Mine Action Standard (IMAS) and is copyright
protected by the UN. Neither this document, nor any extract from it, may be reproduced,
stored or transmitted in any form, or by any means, for any other purpose without prior
written permission from UNMAS, acting on behalf of the UN.

This document is not to be sold.

Director
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
2 United Nations Plaza, DC2-0650
New York, NY 10017
USA

Email: mineaction@un.org
Telephone: (1 212) 963 1875
Fax: (1 212) 963 2498

 UNMAS 2003 – All rights reserved

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Contents
Contents ........................................................................................................................................ iii
Foreword .......................................................................................................................................iv
Glossary of mine action terms, definitions and abbreviations....................................................... 1
1. Scope .................................................................................................................................. 1
2. References.......................................................................................................................... 1
3. Terms, definitions and abbreviations .................................................................................. 2
Amendment record...................................................................................................................... 32

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Foreword
International standards for humanitarian mine clearance programmes were first proposed by
working groups at an international technical conference in Denmark, in July 1996. Criteria were
prescribed for all aspects of mine clearance, standards were recommended and a new universal
definition of ‘clearance’ was agreed. In late 1996, the principles proposed in Denmark were
developed by a UN-led working group and the International Standards for Humanitarian Mine
Clearance Operations were developed. A first edition was issued by the UN Mine Action
Service (UNMAS) in March 1997.

The scope of these original standards has since been expanded to include the other
components of mine action and to reflect changes to operational procedures, practices and
norms. The standards were re-developed and renamed as International Mine Action Standards
(IMAS).

The United Nations has a general responsibility for enabling and encouraging the effective
management of mine action programmes, including the development and maintenance of
standards. UNMAS, therefore, is the office within the United Nations responsible for the
development and maintenance of IMAS. IMAS are produced with the assistance of the Geneva
International Centre for Humanitarian Demining.

The work of preparing, reviewing and revising IMAS is conducted by technical committees, with
the support of international, governmental and non-governmental organisations. The latest
version of each standard, together with information on the work of the technical committees, can
be found at http://www.mineactionstandards.org/. Individual IMAS are reviewed at least every
three years to reflect developing mine action norms and practices and to incorporate changes to
international regulations and requirements.

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Glossary of mine action terms, definitions and abbreviations

1. Scope
This Glossary provides a summary of the mine action terms, definitions and abbreviations used
in mine action. If two or more alternative definitions are in common use, then both are given in
this glossary.

2. References
The following normative documents contain provisions, which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this part of the standard. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to
agreements based on this part of the standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of
applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO
and IEC maintain registers of currently valid ISO or EN:

a) ISO 3166, Codes for the representation of names of countries.

b) ISO 9000:2000, Quality management systems – Fundamentals and vocabulary.

c) ISO 10241, International terminology standards - Preparation and layout.

d) ISO Guide 51, Safety aspects - Guidelines for their inclusion in standards.

e) ISO/IEC Guide 2, Standardization and related activities - General vocabulary.

f) ISO/IEC Directives Part 2, Methodology for the development of International

Standards.

g) ISO/IEC Directives Part 3, Rules for the structure and drafting of International
Standards.

h) ISO Standards Handbook, Quantities and units.

i) OHSAS 18001:1999, Occupational health and safety management systems –

Specifications.

j) OHSAS 18002:2000, Occupational health and safety management systems –

Guidelines for the implementation of OHSAS 18001.

k) ILO R164 - Occupational safety and health recommendation 1981.

l) ILO C155 - Occupational safety and health convention 1981.

m) AAP-6(V), NATO glossary of terms and definitions.

n) Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), amended protocol II and

protocol V.

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3. Terms, definitions and abbreviations

3.1.
Abandoned Explosive Ordnance (AXO)
explosive ordnance that has not been used during an armed conflict, that has been left behind
or dumped by a party to an armed conflict, and which is no longer under control of the party that
left it behind or dumped it. Abandoned explosive ordnance may or may not have been primed,
fuzed, armed or otherwise prepared for use. (CCW protocol V)

3.2.
acceptance
the formal acknowledgement by the sponsor, or the sponsor’s nominated representative that
the equipment meets the stated requirements and is suitable for use in mine action
programmes. An acceptance may be given with outstanding caveats.

3.3.
access lane
a marked passage leading through a mined area that has been cleared to provide safe
movement to a required point or area.

3.4.
accident
an undesired event which results in harm.

Note: Modified from definition in OHSAS 18001:1999.

3.5.
accreditation
the procedure by which a demining organisation is formally recognised as competent and able
to plan, manage and operationally conduct mine action activities safely, effectively and
efficiently.

Note: For most mine action programmes, the NMAA will be the body which provides accreditation.
International organisations such as the United Nations or regional bodies may also introduce
accreditation schemes.

Note: ISO 9000 usage is that an ‘Accreditation’ body accredits the ’Certification or Registration’
bodies that award ISO 9000 certificates to organisations. The usage in IMAS is completely
different to this, and is based on the main definition above, which is well understood in the
mine action community.

3.6.
accreditation body
an organisation, normally an element of the NMAA, responsible for the management and
implementation of the national accreditation system.

3.7.
advocacy
in the context of mine action, the term refers to …. public support, recommendation or positive
publicity with the aim of removing, or at least reducing, the threat from, and the impact of,
mines and UXO.

3.8.
agreement
an alternative term for a contract. An agreement includes all the crucial elements of a contract.

Note: Definition when used in a legal sense.

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3.9.
alienation
in the context of mine action, the term refers to …. the transfer of ownership or property rights
following the handover of cleared land.

3.10.
Amended Protocol II (APII)
Amended Protocol II (APII) to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of
Certain Conventional Weapons which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to have
Indiscriminate Effects (CCW).

Note: It prohibits the use of all undetectable anti-personnel mines and regulates the use of wider
categories of mines, booby-traps and other devices. For the purposes of the IMAS, Article 5
lays down requirements for the marking and monitoring of mined areas. Article 9 provides
for the recording and use of information on minefields and mined areas. The Technical
Annex provides guidelines on, inter alia, the recording of information and international signs for
minefields and mined areas.

3.11.
ammunition
see munition

3.12.
anti-handling device
a device intended to protect a mine and which is part of, linked to, attached or placed under the
mine and which activates when an attempt is made to tamper with or otherwise intentionally
disturb the mine. [MBT]

3.13.
Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC)
Ottawa Convention
Mine Ban Treaty (MBT)

Note: Provides for a complete ban on the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel
mines (APMs) and on their destruction. For the purposes of IMAS documents, Article 5 of the
APMBC lays down requirements for the destruction of APMs in mined areas. Article 6 details
transparency measures required under the Treaty including information on the location of
mined or suspected mined areas and measures taken to warn the local population.

3.14.
Anti-Personnel Mines (APM)
a mine designed to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person and that will
incapacitate, injure or kill one or more persons.

Note: Mines designed to be detonated by the presence, proximity or contact of a vehicle as opposed
to a person that are equipped with anti-handling devices, are not considered APM as a result
of being so equipped. [MBT]

3.15.
applied research
research focused at clearly defined problems and market opportunities.

Note: Its principal purpose is to establish the feasibility of applying technology to solve a clearly
defined problem, within defined parameters such as cost, time and risk.

3.16.
area reduction
the process through which the initial area indicated as contaminated (during any information
gathering activities or surveys which form part of the GMAA process) is reduced to a smaller
area.

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Note: Area reduction may involve some limited clearance, such as the opening of access routes and
the destruction of mines and UXO which represent an immediate and unacceptable risk, but
it will mainly be as a consequence of collecting more reliable information on the extent of the
hazardous area. Usually it will be appropriate to mark the remaining hazardous area(s) with
permanent or temporary marking systems.

Note: Likewise, area reduction is sometimes done as part of the clearance operation.

3.17.
audit
a timely process or system inspection to ensure that specifications conform to documented
quality standards. An audit highlights discrepancies between the documented standards and
the standards followed and might also show how well or how badly the documented standards
support the processes currently followed.

3.18.
Battle Area Clearance (BAC)
the systematic and controlled clearance of hazardous areas where the threat is known not to
contain mines.

3.19.
benchmark
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to … a fixed point of reference used
to locate a marked and recorded hazard or hazardous area. It should normally be located a
short distance outside the hazardous area.

Note: A benchmark may not be necessary if the reference point is sufficiently close to the perimeter
of the hazardous area.

3.20.
Bomb Live Unit (BLU)
part of the nomenclature of a type of submunition e.g. BLU 26 or BLU 97.

3.21.
bomblet
see submunition.

3.22.
booby trap
an explosive or non-explosive device, or other material, deliberately placed to cause casualties
when an apparently harmless object is disturbed or a normally safe act is performed. [AAP-6]

3.23.
boundary lane
a cleared lane around the perimeter of a hazardous area.

3.24.
box
a squared area that is developed for the purpose of being searched by MDDs.

Note: A box normally measures 10m x 10m, but other sizes may be preferred.

3.25.
briefing area
in the context of humanitarian demining …. a clearly identifiable control point intended to be
the first point of entry to a demining worksite.

Note: The briefing area contains a plan of the minefield and its current level of clearance, at a scale
large enough for briefing purposes, showing the location of control points (car park, first aid
point, explosive storage areas, the areas where mine clearance work is progressing and
distances), and where safety equipment is issued to visitors.

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3.26.
burning site
an area authorised for the destruction of munitions and explosives by burning.

3.27.
cancelled area
an area previously recorded as a hazardous area which subsequently is considered, as a result
of actions other than clearance, not to represent a risk from mines and UXO.

Note: This change in status will be the result of more accurate and reliable information, for example
from technical survey, and will normally only be authorised by the NMAA, in accordance with
national policy. The documentation of all cancelled areas shall be retained together with a
detailed explanation of the reasons for the change in status.

3.28.
CEN (Committee European Normalisation)
CEN is the European Committee for Standardisation.

Note: The mission of CEN is to promote voluntary technical harmonisation in Europe in conjunction
with worldwide bodies and its European partners. European standards (referred to as EN
(Europe Normalisation)) form a collection which ensures its own continuity for the benefit of
users.

3.29.
CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA)
an endorsed and adopted standard voluntarily applied by participants.

3.30.
certification committee
a committee appointed by UNMAS to regularly review compliance of the impact component of
the GMAA process with the UN certification guidelines based on the reports of the UN quality
assurance monitor from the field.

Note: Acceptance of the findings of the impact component of the GMAA of a specific country by the
international community is dependent on its certification by the UN certification committee.

3.31.
clearance
(Explosive Ordnance Clearance (EOC))
tasks or actions to reduce or eliminate the Explosive Ordnance (EO) hazards from a specified
area. [NATO Study 2187]

3.32.
cleared area
cleared land
an area that has been physically and systematically processed by a demining organisation to
ensure the removal and/or destruction of all mine and UXO hazards to a specified depth.

Note: IMAS 09.10 specifies the quality system (i.e. the organisation, procedures and
responsibilities) necessary to determine that land has been cleared by the demining
organisation in accordance with its contractual obligations.

Note: Cleared areas may include land cleared during the technical survey process, including
boundary lanes and cleared lanes.

3.33.
cleared lane
safety lane
the generic term for any lane, other than a boundary lane, cleared by a survey or clearance
team to the international standard for cleared land. This may include access lanes outside the
hazardous area or cross/verification lanes inside a hazardous area.

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3.34.
Cluster Bomb Unit (CBU)
an expendable aircraft store composed of a dispenser and sub-munitions. [AAP-6]

a bomb containing and dispensing sub-munitions which may be mines (anti-personnel or anti-
tank), penetration (runway cratering) bomblets, fragmentation bomblets etc.

3.35.
collaboration
in the context of mine action equipment procurement, the term refers to …. an activity which
applies solely to the procurement of common equipment by two or more organisations.

3.36.
Commercial off the Shelf (COTS)
in the context of mine action equipment procurement, the term refers to …. an equipment
that is available direct from the manufacturer and requires no further development prior to
introduction into service apart from minor modifications.

3.37.
commonality
in the context of mine action equipment procurement, the term refers to …. a state achieved
when groups of individuals or organisations use common procedures and/or equipment.

3.38.
community liaison
community mine action liaison
liaison with mine/UXO affected communities to exchange information on the presence and
impact of mines and UXO, create a reporting link with the mine action programme and develop
risk reduction strategies. Community mine action liaison aims to ensure community needs and
priorities are central to the planning, implementation and monitoring of mine action operations.

Note: Community liaison is based on an exchange of information and involves communities in the
decision making process, (before, during and after demining), in order to establish priorities
for mine action. In this way mine action programmes aim to be inclusive, community focused
and ensure the maximum involvement of all sections of the community. This involvement
includes joint planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects.

Note: Community liaison also works with communities to develop specific interim safety strategies
promoting individual and community behavioural change. This is designed to reduce the
impact of mines/UXO on individuals and communities until such time as the threat is removed.

3.39.
compatibility
in the context of mine action equipment procurement, the term refers to …. the capability of
two or more components or sub-components of equipment or material to exist or function in the
same environment without mutual interference.

3.40.
concept formulation
the first stage in the procurement process, and covers the period of the emergence of the idea
to the initial SON.

3.41.
contract
a formal agreement with specific terms between two or more entities in which there is a promise
to do something in return for a valuable benefit known as a consideration.

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3.42.
contractor
any organisation (governmental, non-government or commercial entity) contracted to undertake
a mine action activity. The organisation responsible for the conduct of the overall contract is
referred to as the ‘prime contractor’. Other organisations or parties the prime contractor
engages to undertake components of the larger contract are referred to as ‘sub-contractors’.
Sub-contractors are responsible to the prime contractor and not to the principal.

3.43.
control area or point
all points or areas used to control the movements of visitors and staff on a demining worksite.

3.44.
cost-effectiveness
an assessment of the balance between a system’s performance and its whole life costs.

3.45.
cost-plus contract
a contract in which the contractor is reimbursed all costs incurred in undertaking a specific
scope of work and is paid an additional lump sum or fixed percentage of the reimbursable costs.

3.46.
critical non-conformity
the failure of a 1.0m2 unit of land during inspection to meet the stated clearance requirements.
IMAS identifies two types of critical non-conformities:

a) the discovery of a mine or UXO; and

b) other critical non conformities as defined by NMAAs.

3.47.
decontamination
a process of removing undesired contamination from test items, tools and accessories that are
used when preparing a field test. (Definition for MDD use only).

3.48.
deflagration
the conversion of explosives into gaseous products by chemical reactions at or near the
surface of the explosive (c.f. detonation).

3.49.
demilitarisation
the process that renders munitions unfit for their originally intended purpose.

Note: Definition from NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA), Peter Courtney-Green, May
2000.

3.50.
deminer
a person qualified and employed to undertake demining activities on a demining worksite.

3.51.
demining
humanitarian demining
activities which lead to the removal of mine and UXO hazards, including technical survey,
mapping, clearance, marking, post-clearance documentation, community mine action
liaison and the handover of cleared land. Demining may be carried out by different types of
organisations, such as NGOs, commercial companies, national mine action teams or military
units. Demining may be emergency-based or developmental.

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Note: in IMAS standards and guides, mine and UXO clearance is considered to be just one part of
the demining process.

Note: in IMAS standards and guides, demining is considered to be one component of mine action.

Note: in IMAS standards and guides, the terms demining and humanitarian demining are
interchangeable.

3.52.
demining accident
an accident at a demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard (c.f. mine accident).

3.53.
demining accident response plan
a documented plan developed for each demining workplace which details the procedures to
be applied to move victims from a demining accident site to an appropriate treatment or
surgical care facility.

3.54.
demining incident
an incident at a demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard (c.f. mine incident).

3.55.
demining organisation
refers to any organisation (government, NGO, military or commercial entity) responsible for
implementing demining projects or tasks. The demining organisation may be a prime
contractor, subcontractor, consultant or agent.

3.56.
demining sub-unit
an element of a demining organisation, however named, which is operationally accredited to
conduct one or more prescribed demining activities, such as technical surveys, manual
clearance, EOD or the use of MDD teams.

3.57.
demining worker
all employees who work at a demining worksite.

3.58.
demining worksite
any workplace where demining activities are being undertaken.

Note: Demining worksites include workplaces where survey, clearance and EOD activities are
undertaken including centralised disposal sites used for the destruction of mines and UXO
identified and removed during clearance operations.

Note: Survey, in relation to a demining worksite includes general survey undertaken to identify mine
and UXO hazards and hazardous areas.

3.59.
demolition (dml)
destruction of structures, facilities or material by use of fire, water, explosives, mechanical or
other means.

3.60.
demolition ground
an area authorised for the destruction of munitions and explosives by detonation.

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3.61.
destroy (destruction) in situ
blow in situ.
the destruction of any item of ordnance by explosives without moving the item from where it
was found, normally by placing an explosive charge alongside.

3.62.
destruction
the process of final conversion of munitions and explosives into an inert state whereby they
can no longer function as designed.

3.63.
destruction organisation
refers to any organisation (government, military or commercial entity) responsible for
implementing stockpile destruction projects or tasks. The destruction organisation may be a
prime contractor, subcontractor, consultant or agent.

3.64.
detection
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to …. the discovery by any means of
the presence of mines or UXO.

3.65.
detonation
the rapid conversion of explosives into gaseous products by means of a shock wave passing
through the explosive (c.f. deflagration). Typically, the velocity of such a shock wave is more
than two orders of magnitude higher than a fast deflagration.

3.66.
detonator
a device containing a sensitive explosive intended to produce a detonation wave. [AAP-6]

3.67.
development
the stage of the project (and its associated costs) prior to production concerned with developing
a design sufficiently for production to begin.

3.68.
disarm
the act of making a mine safe by removing the fuze or igniter. The procedure normally
removes one or more links from the firing chain.

3.69.
disposal site
an area authorised for the destruction of munitions and explosives by detonation and
burning.

3.70.
DNT (Dinitrotolulene)
a residual product of TNT manufacture, and a breakdown product of TNT decay. Is normally
present in varying amounts in any explosive device containing TNT. The vapour pressure of
DNT is much higher than that of TNT, and under some conditions it may be easier to detect
DNT than TNT.

3.71.
donor
all sources of funding, including the government of mine affected states.

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3.72.
drill munition
an inert replica of a munition specifically manufactured for drill, display or instructional
purposes.

3.73.
durability
the ability of an item or material to continue to perform its required function under stated
conditions as time progresses. Durability is a function of reliability with time.

Note: Durability involves resistance to degradation, corrosion, cracking, de-lamination, thermal

shock, wear and the effects of foreign object damage.

3.74.
education
the imparting and acquiring over time of knowledge (awareness or possession of facts, ideas,
truths or principles), attitude and practices through teaching and learning. [Oxford Concise
English Dictionary]

3.75.
ensemble
the group of protective clothing designed to be worn as a protective measure.

3.76.
environmental factors
factors relating to the environment and that influence the transportation of odour from the mine,
the detection of the target odour or the ability of people and dogs to work safety and effectively.
(i.e. Wind, rain, temperature, humidity, altitude, sun and vegetation). (Definition for MDD use
only).

3.77.
equipment
a physical, mechanical, electrical and/or electronic system which is used to enhance human
activities, procedures and practices.

3.78.
European Normalisation (EN)
See CEN (Committee European Normalisation)

3.79.
evaluation
the analysis of a result or a series of results to establish the quantitative and qualitative
effectiveness and worth of software, a component, equipment or system, within the
environment in which it will operate.

Note: Definition when used in context of equipment test and evaluation.

a process that attempts to determine as systematically and objectively as possible the merit or
value of an intervention.

Note: The word ‘objectively’ indicates the need to achieve a balanced analysis, recognising bias and
reconciling perspectives of different stakeholders (all those interested in, and affected by
programmes, including beneficiaries as primary stakeholders) through use of different sources
and methods.

Note: Evaluation is considered to be a strategic exercise.

Note: Definition when used in relation to programmes. (UNICEF Policy and Programming Manual)

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3.80.
explosive materials
components or ancillary items used by demining organisations which contain some
explosives, or behave in an explosive manner, such as detonators and primers.

3.81.
Explosive Ordnance (EO)
all munitions containing explosives, nuclear fission or fusion materials and biological and
chemical agents. This includes bombs and warheads; guided and ballistic missiles; artillery,
mortar, rocket and small arms ammunition; all mines, torpedoes and depth charges;
pyrotechnics; clusters and dispensers; cartridge and propellant actuated devices; electro-
explosive devices; clandestine and improvised explosive devices; and all similar or related items
or components explosive in nature. [AAP-6]

3.82.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
the detection, identification, evaluation, render safe, recovery and disposal of EO. EOD may
be undertaken:

a) as a routine part of mine clearance operations, upon discovery of the UXO.

b) to dispose of UXO discovered outside mined areas, (this may be a single UXO, or a
larger number inside a specific area).

c) to dispose of EO which has become hazardous by deterioration, damage or

attempted destruction.

3.83.
Explosive Remnants of War (ERW)
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and Abandoned Explosive Ordnance (AXO). (CCW protocol V).

3.84.
explosives
a substance or mixture of substances which, under external influences, is capable of rapidly
releasing energy in the form of gases and heat. [AAP-6]

3.85.
failure
an event in which any system, equipment, components or sub-components does not perform
as previously specified.

Note: Failures may be classified as to cause, degree, relevance, dependence and responsibility.

3.86.
Feasibility Study (FS)
a study to establish the feasibility of the STO in terms of technology, costs and time.

3.87.
field editor
an individual whose main responsibility is to ensure accuracy, consistency, readability and
clarity of the information gathered by enumerators in the field.

Note: The field editor must work closely with the survey teams in order to ensure that the review
process is done shortly after the survey has been completed and while the teams are in the
same general vicinity as the community being reviewed.

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3.88.
fixed price contract
a contract in which a contractor is paid a fixed price to undertake a specific scope of work or to
provide a specific number of assets (demining teams, MDD teams or mechanical equipment)
over an agreed time-frame. The fixed price covers the whole of the works, supplies and
services to be provided by the contractor.

3.89.
force majeure
unforeseeable circumstances that prevent a party from completing a task required by a contract.

3.90.
fragmentation hazard zone
for a given explosive item, explosive storage or mine/UXO contaminated area, the area that
could be reached by fragmentation in the case of detonation.

Note: Several factors should be considered when determining this zone; the amount of explosive,
body construction, type of material, ground conditions etc. See also [secondary
fragmentation].

3.91.
Full Development (FD)
the procedure containing all of the engineering processes, trials and tests necessary to
establish the final detailed design to enable full production to commence.

3.92.
fuze
a device which initiates an explosive train. [AAP-6]

3.93.
General Mine Action Assessment (GMAA)
the continuous process by which a comprehensive inventory can be obtained of all reported
and/or suspected locations of mine or UXO contamination, the quantities and types of
explosive hazards, and information on local soil characteristics, vegetation and climate; and
assessment of the scale and impact of the landmine problem on the individual, community and
country.

3.94.
generic requirement
the performance and environmental characteristics which will be common to all planned uses of
the proposed equipment.

3.95.
georeferencing
a process whereby graphic coordinates or other indirect referencing codes are added to tabular
data in order to allow simple comparison, compilation and analysis of disparate datasets based
on common locations.

3.96.
GIS
Geographical (or Geospatial) Information System
an organised collection of computer hardware, software, geographic data, and personnel
designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyse, and display all forms of
geographically referenced information.

Note: GIS allows a user to graphically view multiple layers of data based on their geographic
distribution and association. GIS incorporates powerful tools to analyse the relationships
between various layers of information.

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3.97.
ground preparation
preparing of ground in a minefield or hazardous area by mechanical means by removing or
reducing obstacles to clearance e.g. tripwires, vegetation, hard soil and metal contamination to
make subsequent clearance operations quicker and safer.

3.98.
ground processing
the practice of applying a mechanical tool or system to a minefield or hazardous area with the
aim of clearing all of the mines or UXO within the mechanical tool or system’s capabilities.

3.99.
group interview
the conduct of a formal interview with a group of key informants in an impacted community on
what to survey within that community.

3.100.
guide
an IMAS guide provides general rules, principles, advice and information.

3.101.
handover
the process by which the beneficiary (for example, the NMAA on behalf of the local community
or land user) accepts responsibility for the cleared area. The term 'alienation' is sometimes
used to describe a change of ownership of the land which accompanies the handover of a
cleared area.

3.102.
handover certificate
documentation used to record the handover of cleared land.

3.103.
hardware
equipment with physical size and mass; as opposed to software.

3.104.
harm
physical injury or damage to the health of people, or damage to property or the environment.
[ISO Guide 51:1999(E)]

3.105.
harmful event
occurrence in which a hazardous situation results in harm. [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)].

3.106.
hazard
potential source of harm. [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)]

3.107.
hazard (ous) area
contaminated area
a generic term for an area not in productive use due to the perceived or actual presence of
mines, UXO or other explosive devices.

3.108.
hazard marker
object(s), other than hazard signs, used to identify the limits of a mine and UXO hazard area.
Hazard markers shall conform to the specification established by the NMAA.

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3.109.
hazard marking system
a combination of measures (signs and barriers) designed to provide the public with warning and
protection from mine and UXO hazards. The system may include the use of signs or markers,
or the erection of physical barriers.

3.110.
hazard sign
a permanent, manufactured sign which, when placed as part of a marking system, is designed
to provide warning to the public of the presence of mines.

3.111.
hazardous situation
circumstance in which people, property or the environment are exposed to one or more
hazards. [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)].

3.112.
health
in relation to work, indicates not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, it also includes the
physical and mental elements affecting health, which are directly related to safety and hygiene
at work. [ILO C155]

3.113.
humanitarian demining
see demining. (In IMAS standards and guides, the terms demining and humanitarian demining
are interchangeable.)

3.114.
impact
the level of social and economic suffering experienced by the community resulting from the
harm or risk of harm caused by mine and UXO hazards and hazardous areas.

Note: Impact is a product of:

a) the presence of mine/UXO hazards in the community;

b) intolerable risk associated with the use of infrastructure such as roads, markets etc;

c) intolerable risk associated with livelihood activities such as use of agricultural land, water
sources etc; and

d) number of victims of mine and UXO incidents within the last two years.

3.115.
impact free
a term applied to countries that may still have mines but where the mined areas are not having
a negative socio – economic impact on communities, e.g. the mines may be in remote, marked
and unpopulated areas.

3.116.
impact survey
see Landmine Impact Survey (LIS)

3.117.
IMSMA
the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA)

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Note: This is the United Nation's preferred information system for the management of critical data in
UN-supported field programmes. The Field Module (FM) provides for data collection,
information analysis and project management. It is used by the staffs of MACs at national and
regional level, and by the implementers of mine action projects - such as demining
organisations.

3.118.
incident
an event that gives rise to an accident or has the potential to lead to an accident.

3.119.
inert
a munition that contains no explosive, pyrotechnic, lachrymatory, radioactive, chemical,
biological or other toxic components or substances.

Note: An inert munition differs from a drill munition in that it has not necessarily been specifically
manufactured for instructional purposes. The inert state of the munition may have resulted
from a render safe procedure or other process to remove all hazardous components and
substances. It also refers to the state of the munition during manufacture prior to the filling or
fitting of explosive or hazardous components and substances.

3.120.
inspection
the observation, measurement, examination, testing, evaluation or gauging of one or more
components of a product or service and comparing these with specified requirements to
determine conformity.

3.121.
inspection body
an organisation which conducts post-clearance QC on behalf of the NMAA by applying random
sampling procedures, or other appropriate and agreed methods of inspection.

3.122.
insurance
an arrangement for compensation in the event of damage to or loss of (property, life of a
person).

Note: Insurance should include appropriate medical, death and disability coverage for all personnel
as well as third party liability coverage.

Note: Such insurance need not necessarily have to be arranged through an insurance broker or
company, unless otherwise required by contractual arrangements. Self insurance (under-
writing) schemes, provided they are formally constituted on accepted actuarial principles and
provide adequate cover, may be an acceptable alternative.

3.123.
intended use (land)
use of land following demining operations.

Note: Intended use: use of a product, process or service in accordance with information provided by
the supplier. [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)

Note: Intended land use should be included in the clearance task specification and clearance task
handover documentation.

3.124.
interchangeability
in the context of mine action equipment procurement, the term refers to …. a condition which
exists when two or more items of equipment possess such functional and physical
characteristics as to be equivalent in performance and durability, and are capable of being
exchanged for one another without alteration of the items themselves, or of adjoining items,
except for adjustment, and without selection for fit and performance.

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3.125.
intermediate point
survey markers used between turning points that are more than 50m apart.

3.126.
International Mine Action Standards (IMAS)
documents developed by the UN on behalf of the international community, which aim to improve
safety and efficiency in mine action by providing guidance, by establishing principles and, in
some cases, by defining international requirements and specifications.

Note: They provide a frame of reference which encourages, and in some cases requires, the
sponsors and managers of mine action programmes and projects to achieve and demonstrate
agreed levels of effectiveness and safety.

Note: They provide a common language, and recommend the formats and rules for handling data
which enable the free exchange of important information; this information exchange benefits
other programmes and projects, and assists the mobilisation, prioritisation and management of
resources.

3.127.
International Organisation for Standardization (ISO)

Note: A worldwide federation of national bodies from over 130 countries. Its work results in
international agreements which are published as ISO standards and guides. ISO is a NGO
and the standards it develops are voluntary, although some (mainly those concerned with
health, safety and environmental aspects) have been adopted by many countries as part of
their regulatory framework. ISO deals with the full spectrum of human activities and many of
the tasks and processes which contribute to mine action have a relevant standard. A list of
ISO standards and guides is given in the ISO Catalogue [www.iso.ch/infoe/catinfo/html].

Note: The revised mine action standards have been developed to be compatible with ISO standards
and guides. Adopting the ISO format and language provides some significant advantages
including consistency of layout, use of internationally recognised terminology, and a greater
acceptance by international, national and regional organisations who are accustomed to the
ISO series of standards and guides.

3.128.
investment appraisal
the process of defining the objectives of expenditure, identifying the alternative ways of
achieving those objectives and assessing which way is likely to give best value for money.

3.129.
key informants
individuals who have relatively good knowledge on the hazardous areas in and around their
community.

Note: Key informants may include, but are not limited to, community leaders, mine-affected
individuals, schoolteachers, religious leaders etc.

3.130.
lachrymatory ammunition
lachrymatory ammunition contains chemical compounds that are designed to incapacitate by
causing short-term tears or inflammation of the eyes.

3.131.
Landmine Impact Survey (LIS)
impact survey
an assessment of the socio-economic impact caused by the actual or perceived presence of
mines and UXO, in order to assist the planning and prioritisation of mine action programmes
and projects.

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3.132.
letter of agreement
a simpler form of contract that states the essentials of the agreement without including all the
detail. It may be used as a precursor to a formal contract or, in some cases, may be used in
place of a more formal contract.

3.133.
level 2 survey
the term previously used for a technical survey.

3.134.
licence
in the context of mine action, the term refers to ….. a certificate issued by a NMAA in relation
to the capacity or capability of a facility, for example a demolition site may be licensed for
certain explosive limits and explosive storage areas may be licensed for certain types and
quantities of munitions. Demining organisations receive organisational or operational
accreditation from an accreditation body authorised by a NMAA.

3.135.
local requirement
the performance and characteristics of the proposed equipment which reflect local
environmental conditions, operating procedures and operational requirements.

3.136.
logistic disposal
in the context of mine action, the term refers to ….. the removal of munitions and explosives
from a stockpile utilising a variety of methods, (that may not necessarily involve destruction).
Logistic disposal may or may not require the use of RSP.

3.137.
lot size
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to ….. an area (comprising a number
of 1.0m2 units of cleared land) offered for inspection.

3.138.
magazine
in the context of mine action, the term refers to ….. any building, structure or container
approved for the storage of explosive materials.

3.139.
maintainability
the ability of an equipment, component or sub-component under stated conditions of use, to be
retained or restored to a specific condition, when maintenance is performed by personnel
having specific skill levels, under stated conditions and using prescribed procedures and
resources.

3.140.
marking
emplacement of a measure or combination of measures to identify the position of a hazard or
the boundary of a hazardous area. This may include the use of signs, paint marks etc, or the
erection of physical barriers.

3.141.
marking system
an agreed convention for the marking of hazards or hazardous areas.

3.142.
mechanical application
the generic term to describe the use of machines in the conduct of mine clearance operations.

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3.143.
medical support staff
employees of demining organisations designated, trained and equipped to provide first aid
and further medical treatment of demining employees injured as a result of an accident.

3.144.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
a document used to facilitate a situation or operation when it is not the intention to create formal
rights and obligations in international law but to express commitments of importance in a non-
binding form.

3.145.
mine
munition designed to be placed under, on or near the ground or other surface area and to be
exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person or a vehicle. [MBT]

3.146.
mine accident
an accident away from the demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard (c.f.
demining accident).

3.147.
mine action
activities which aim to reduce the social, economic and environmental impact of mines and
UXO.

Note: Mine action is not just about demining; it is also about people and societies, and how they are
affected by landmine contamination. The objective of mine action is to reduce the risk from
landmines to a level where people can live safely; in which economic, social and health
development can occur free from the constraints imposed by landmine contamination, and in
which the victims’ needs can be addressed. Mine action comprises five complementary
groups of activities:

a) MRE;

b) humanitarian demining, i.e. mine and UXO survey, mapping, marking and clearance;

c) victim assistance, including rehabilitation and reintegration;

d) stockpile destruction; and

e) advocacy against the use of APM.

Note: A number of other enabling activities are required to support these five components of mine
action, including: assessment and planning, the mobilisation and prioritisation of resources,
information management, human skills development and management training, QM and the
application of effective, appropriate and safe equipment.

3.148.
Mine Action Centre (MAC)
Mine Action Coordination Centre (MACC)
an organisation that carries out MRE training, conducts reconnaissance of mined areas,
collection and centralisation of mine data and coordinates local (mine action) plans with the
activities of external agencies, of (mine action) NGOs and of local deminers. [UN Terminology
Bulletin No. 349] For national mine action programmes, the MAC/MACC usually acts as the
operational office of the NMAA.

3.149.
Mine Action Coordination Centre (MACC)
see Mine Action Centre (MAC)

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3.150.
mine action organisation
refers to any organisation (government, NGO, military or commercial entity) responsible for
implementing mine action projects or tasks. The mine action organisation may be a prime
contractor, subcontractor, consultant or agent.

3.151.
mine awareness
see Mine Risk Education (MRE).

3.152.
mine clearance
the clearance of mines and UXO from a specified area to a predefined standard.

3.153.
Mine Detection Dog(s) (MDD)
a dog trained and employed to detect mines, UXO and other explosive devices.

3.154.
mine free
a term applied to an area that has been certified as clear of mines to a specified depth. Also
applied to a country or an area that has not had a mine contamination problem.

3.155.
mine incident
an incident away from the demining workplace involving a mine or UXO hazard (c.f. demining
incident).

3.156.
mine risk
the probability and severity of physical injury to people, property or the environment caused by
the unintentional detonation of a mine or UXO. [Adapted from ISO Guide 51:1999(E)]

3.157.
Mine Risk Education (MRE)
activities which seek to reduce the risk of injury from mines/UXO by raising awareness and
promoting behavioural change including public information dissemination, education and
training, and community mine action liaison.

3.158.
mine risk reduction
those actions which lessen the probability and/or severity of physical injury to people, property
or the environment. [Adapted from ISO Guide 51:1999(E)] Mine risk reduction can be achieved
by physical measures such as clearance, fencing or marking, or through behavioural changes
brought about by MRE.

3.159.
mine sign
a sign which, when placed as part of a marking system, is designed to provide warning to the
public of the presence of mines.

3.160.
mine threat
mine and UXO threat
an indication of the potential harm from the number, nature, disposition and detectability of
mines and UXO in a given area.

3.161.
mined area
an area which is dangerous due to the presence or suspected presence of mines. [MBT]

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3.162.
minefield
an area of ground containing mines laid with or without a pattern. [AAP-6]

3.163.
monitoring
in the context of mine action, the term refers to ….. the authorised observation, inspection or
assessment by qualified personnel of worksites, facilities, equipment, activities, processes,
procedures and documentation without taking responsibility for what is being monitored.
Monitoring is usually carried out to check conformity with undertakings, procedures or standard
practice and often includes recording and reporting elements.

in the context of MRE, the term refers to …the process of measuring or tracking what is
happening. This includes:

a) measuring progress in relation to an implementation plan for an intervention –

programmes/projects/activities, strategies, policies and specific objectives.

b) measuring change in a condition or set of conditions or lack thereof (e.g., changes in

the situation of children and women or changes in the broader country context).

c) definition from UNICEF Policy and Programming Manual.

3.164.
monitoring body
an organisation, normally an element of the NMAA, responsible for management and
implementation of the national monitoring system.

3.165.
MRE organisation
any organisation, including governmental, non-governmental, civil society organisations (e.g.
women’s union, youth union, red cross and red crescent societies), commercial entities and
military personnel (including peace-keeping forces), which is responsible for implementing MRE
projects or tasks. The MRE organisation may be a prime contractor, subcontractor, consultant
or agent. The term 'MRE sub-unit' refers to an element of an organisation, however named, that
is accredited to conduct one or more prescribed MRE activities such as a public information
project, a schools based education project or a community mine action liaison project
evaluation.

3.166.
MRE partner
an institution or agent within the mine-affected community who is able to work with an MRE
organisation to facilitate, establish and implement an MRE project.

3.167.
munition
a complete device charged with explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, initiating composition, or
nuclear, biological or chemical material for use in military operations, including demolitions.
[AAP-6]

Note: In common usage, ‘munitions’ (plural) can be military weapons, ammunition and equipment.

3.168.
national authority
in the context of stockpile destruction the term refers to …. the government department(s),
organisation(s) or institution(s) in each country charged with the regulation, management and
coordination of stockpile destruction.

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3.169.
National Mine Action Authority (NMAA)
the government department(s), organisation(s) or institution(s) in each mine-affected country
charged with the regulation, management and coordination of mine action.

Note: In most cases the national MAC or its equivalent will act as, or on behalf of, the NMAA.

Note: In certain situations and at certain times it may be necessary and appropriate for the UN, or
some other recognised international body, to assume some or all of the responsibilities, and
fulfil some or all the functions, of a NMAA.

3.170.
neutralise
the act of replacing safety devices such as pins or rods into an explosive item to prevent the
fuze or igniter from functioning.

Note: It does not make an item completely safe as removal of the safety devices will immediately
make the item active again (c.f. disarm).

Note: A mine is said to be neutralised when it has been rendered, by external means, incapable of
firing on passage of a target, although it may remain dangerous to handle. [AAP-6]

3.171.
non-sparking material
material that will not produce a spark when struck with tools, rocks, or when the material itself
strikes hard surfaces.

3.172.
Operational Analysis (OA)
operational research
a field of research that applies scientifically based quantitative and qualitative analysis to assist
management decisions.

3.173.
operational research
see Operational Analysis (OA)

3.174.
particle board
a composition board made of small pieces of wood, bonded together.

3.175.
permanent marking system
a marking system having an indefinite period of use, usually requiring maintenance (c.f.
temporary marking system).

3.176.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
all equipment and clothing designed to provide protection, which is intended to be worn or held
by an employee at work and which protects him/her against one or more risks to his/her safety
or health.

3.177.
pilot test
a process ahead of the commencement of wide range data collection to ensure that all survey
project elements, such as team deployment, data collection, reporting and administration, are
functioning as planned.

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3.178.
policy
defines the purpose and goals of an organisation, and it articulates the rules, standards and
principles of action which govern the way in which the organisation aims to achieve these goals.

Note: Policy evolves in response to strategic direction and field experience. In turn, it influences the
way in which plans are developed, and how resources are mobilised and applied. Policy is
prescriptive and compliance is assumed, or at least is encouraged.

3.179.
post clearance inspection
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to …the process of measuring,
examining, testing or otherwise comparing a sample of cleared land against the clearance
requirements.

3.180.
Post Design Services (PDS)
further services such as ongoing development and modification of equipment, subsequent to
the acceptance of the equipment.

Note: PDS may be used after the initial contract in order to update the equipment in response to
changing circumstances and requirements.

3.181.
Preliminary Development (PD)
the planning, design and engineering work necessary to explore areas of technical uncertainty
and to provide detailed estimates of duration and cost before the decision to proceed to full
development is made.

Note: During PD a relatively flexible relationship should exist between the technical specification and
the operational requirements.

3.182.
preliminary study
a study to give an indication of the practicability of the idea in terms of technological possibilities
and cost.

3.183.
pre-test
a process at the start of a survey to validate clarity and appropriateness of the selected survey
instrument.

3.184.
primer
a self-contained munition which is fitted into a cartridge case or firing mechanism and provides
the means of igniting the propellant charge.

3.185.
principal
the entity that contracts another entity to undertake the required mine action activity. The
principal may be a donor, a NMAA, an organisation acting on behalf of the NMAA, a commercial
organisation or any entity that desires mine action to be conducted and engages a mine action
organisation to do so.

3.186.
procurement
the process of research, development and production or purchase which leads to an equipment
being accepted as suitable for use, and continues with the provision of spares and Post Design
Services (PDS) throughout the life of the equipment.

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3.187.
prodding
a procedure employed in the process of demining whereby ground is probed to detect the
presence of sub-surface mines and/or UXO (c.f. sapping).

3.188.
programme
a group of projects or activities which are managed in a co-ordinated way, to deliver benefits
that would not be possible were the projects and/or contracts managed independently.

3.189.
project
an endeavour in which human, material and financial resources are organised to undertake a
unique scope of work, of given specification, within constraints of cost and time, so as to
achieve beneficial change defined by quantitative and qualitative objectives.

3.190.
project management
the process by which a project is brought to a successful conclusion.

3.191.
proposal
an offer for consideration or acceptance by another entity.

3.192.
protective measure
means used to reduce risk. [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)]

3.193.
prototype
an equipment, component or sub-component built as nearly as possible to the final design and
build standard.

Note: Prototypes are used to aid development of the final production standard and/or to demonstrate
performance or specification compliance.

3.194.
proximity verification
an activity to observe mine/UXO hazard areas reported during the community interview.

Note: Observation must be done from a safe area and in accordance with the relevant protocols.

3.195.
public education
the process aimed at raising general awareness of the mine and UXO threat; through public
information, formal and non-formal education systems.

Note: Public education is a mass mobilisation approach that delivers information on the mine/UXO
threat. It may take the form of formal or non-formal education and may use mass media
techniques.

Note: In an emergency situation, due to time constraints and the lack of available data, it is the most
practical means of communicating safety information. In other situations it can support
community liaison.

3.196.
public information dissemination
information concerning the mine and UXO situation, used to inform or update populations.
Such information may focus on particular issues, such as complying with mine ban legislation,
or may be used to raise public support for the mine action programme. Such projects usually
include risk reduction messages, but may also be used to reflect national mine action policy.

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3.197.
pure research
research activities not linked to any specific application. The outcome of pure research may
eventually lead to a product, but its immediate aim is to establish generic principles.

3.198.
quality
degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfils requirements. [ISO 9000:2000]

3.199.
Quality Assurance (QA)
part of QM focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled. [ISO
9000:2000]

Note: The purpose of QA in humanitarian demining is to confirm that management practices and
operational procedures for demining are appropriate, are being applied, and will achieve the
stated requirement in a safe, effective and efficient manner. Internal QA will be conducted by
demining organisations themselves, but external inspections by an external monitoring
body should also be conducted.

3.200.
Quality Control (QC)
part of QM focused on fulfilling quality requirements. [ISO 9000:2000]

Note: QC relates to the inspection of a finished product. In the case of humanitarian demining, the
'product' is safe cleared land.

3.201.
Quality Management (QM)
coordinated activities to direct and control an organisation with regard to quality. [ISO
9000:2000]

3.202.
random sampling
selection of samples by a process involving equal chances of selection of each item. Used as
an objective or impartial means of selecting areas for test purposes.

3.203.
raster data
the use of an imaginary grid of cells to represent the landscape. Point features are stored as
individual column/row entries in a grid; lines are identified as a set of connected cells; and areas
are distinguished as all of the cells comprising a feature.

3.204.
RDX (1, 3, 5-triazacyclohexane)
RDX is another military explosive which is used extensively as an explosive in many
munitions formulations. RDX is relatively insensitive; it has a high chemical stability, although
lower than that of TNT. RDX is never handled pure and dry because of the danger of accidental
explosion. It is used as a component in explosive mixtures, especially plastic explosives.

3.205.
reasonably foreseeable misuse
use of a product, process or service in a way not intended by the supplier, but which may result
from readily predictable human behaviour. [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)]

3.206.
recognition piece
A metal piece, which is placed under test items to make them recognisable with a metal
detector.

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3.207.
reduced area
see area reduction
the area of hazardous land remaining after the process of area reduction. It is still referred to
as a hazardous area.

3.208.
reference point
landmark
a fixed point of reference some distance outside the hazard(ous) area. It should be an easily
recognised feature (such as a cross-roads or a bridge) which can be used to assist in navigating
to one or more benchmarks.

Note: Internationally these are often also referred to as Geodetic Points when they refer to a pre-
surveyed location such as a trig point.

3.209.
Relational Database Management System (RDMS)
as opposed to a single table with numerous fields for each record entered, a RDMS uses
identification codes to link multiple tables of data. The codes used establish the relationship
between data tables. RDMS are very effective in managing large amounts of data and
permitting detailed queries to determine the relationship among data compiled against different
records.

3.210.
reliability
the ability of an equipment, component or sub-component to perform a required function under
stated conditions for a stated period of time.

3.211.
reliable (mine action) information
information deemed acceptable and reliable by the NMAA for the conduct of demining
operations.

3.212.
Render Safe Procedure (RSP)
the application of special EOD methods and tools to provide for the interruption of functions or
separation of essential components to prevent an unacceptable detonation.

3.213.
research
the systematic inquiry, examination and experimentation to establish facts and principles.

3.214.
residual risk
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to ….. the risk remaining following
the application of all reasonable efforts to remove and/or destroy all mine or UXO hazards from
a specified area to a specified depth. [Modified from ISO Guide 51:1999]

3.215.
risk
combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm. [ISO Guide
51:1999(E)]

3.216.
risk analysis
systematic use of available information to identify hazards and to estimate the risk. [ISO Guide
51:1999(E)]

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3.217.
risk assessment
overall process comprising a risk analysis and a risk evaluation. [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)]

3.218.
risk evaluation
process based on risk analysis to determine whether the tolerable risk has been achieved.
[ISO Guide 51:1999(E)]

3.219.
risk reduction
actions taken to lessen the probability, negative consequences or both, associated with a
particular risk.

3.220.
safe
the absence of risk. Normally the term tolerable risk is more appropriate and accurate.

3.221.
safety
the reduction of risk to a tolerable level. [ISO Guide 51:1999(E)]

3.222.
sample
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to ….. one or more 1.0m2 units of
land drawn at random from a lot.

3.223.
sample size
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to ….. the number of 1.0m2 units of
land in the sample.

3.224.
sampling
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to ….. a defined procedure whereby
part or parts of an area of cleared land are taken, for testing, as a representation of the whole
area.

3.225.
sampling plan
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to ….. a specific plan that indicates
the number of 1.0m2 units of land from each lot which are to inspected (sample size or series of
sample sizes) and the associated criteria for determining the acceptability of the lot (acceptance
and rejection numbers).

3.226.
sapping
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to …. a procedure employed in the
process of demining whereby, in conjunction with other procedures, ground is cleared by
digging forward to a specified depth from a safe start point.

3.227.
scent
a distinctive odour.

3.228.
secondary fragmentation
in an explosive event, fragmentation which was not originally part of the mine/UXO.

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3.229.
self-neutralisation
action generated by means of a device integral to a mine, which renders the mine inoperative,
but not necessarily safe to handle. In landmines, this process may be reversible. [AAP-6]

3.230.
specified area
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to ….. that area for which mine
clearance activity has been contracted or agreed, as determined by the NMAA or an
organisation acting on its behalf.

3.231.
specified depth
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to ….. the depth to which a specified
area is contracted or agreed to be cleared of mine and UXO hazards, as determined by the
NMAA or an organisation acting on its behalf.

3.232.
Specified Quality Limit (SQL)
in the context of humanitarian demining, the term refers to ….. an indication of the quality
required from clearance operations.

Note: For acceptance sampling purposes, the SQL is a specified borderline between what can be
considered reasonable as a process average and what can not. It has to be attainable by the
producer (demining organisation) but tolerable to the consumer (NMAA or contracting
agency).

Note: In the case of mine clearance, the SQL indicates the average contamination (in terms of non-
conforming items per square metre) following a lengthy and steady process run.

3.233.
sponsor
the sponsor of an equipment trial is the authority requiring the trial to be carried out.

Note: This is most likely to be an international organisation, national MAC, donor or demining
organisation.

3.234.
standard
a standard is a documented agreement containing technical specifications or other precise
criteria to be used consistently as rules, guidelines, or definitions of characteristics to ensure
that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.

Note: Mine action standards aim to improve safety and efficiency in mine action by promoting the
preferred procedures and practices at both headquarters and field level. To be effective, the
standards should be definable, measurable, achievable and verifiable.

3.235.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs)
instructions which define the preferred or currently established method of conducting an
operational task or activity.

Note: Their purpose is to promote recognisable and measurable degrees of discipline, uniformity,
consistency and commonality within an organisation, with the aim of improving operational
effectiveness and safety. SOPs should reflect local requirements and circumstances.

3.236.
standards
requirements, specifications or other precise criteria, to be used consistently to ensure that
materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.

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Note: Mine action standards aim to improve safety and efficiency in mine action by promoting the
preferred procedures and practices at both headquarters and field level.

3.237.
Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs)
see Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

3.238.
Statement of Operational Need (SON)
the document that describes the user’s operational needs.

Note: The SON should be prepared by the User who has identified the need, or by a sponsor acting
on a user’s behalf.

3.239.
Statement of Requirement (SOR)
the document that provides a detailed statement of the characteristics and performance
expected of the equipment, based on the preferred solution.

3.240.
Statement of Tasks and Outputs (STO)
the document that articulates the user’s needs in broad terms, giving the tasks of the equipment
and the key characteristics, with the emphasis on the output required rather than the means of
achieving it, so as to enable full consideration of alternative solutions.

3.241.
steel
general purpose (hot or cold rolled) low-carbon such as ASTM A366b or equivalent.

3.242.
stockpile
in the context of mine action, the term refers to ….. a large accumulated stock of EO.

3.243.
stockpile destruction
the physical destructive procedure towards a continual reduction of the national stockpile.

3.244.
submunition
any munition that, to perform its task, separates from a parent munition. [AAP-6]

mines or munitions that form part of a CBU, artillery shell or missile payload.

3.245.
survey marker
a durable and long lasting marker used to assist in the management of marked and cleared
land during demining operations.

3.246.
survivor (landmine/UXO)
persons either individually or collectively who have suffered physical, emotional and
psychological injury, economic loss or substantial impairment of their fundamental rights through
acts or omissions related to the use of mines and UXO. Mine survivors or victims include
directly impacted individuals, their families, and communities affected by landmines and UXO.

3.247.
survivor assistance
see victim assistance

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3.248.
task identification number (ID)
a unique number used to designate a hazardous area. Task identification numbers shall be
allocated by the NMAA.

3.249.
technical survey
previously referred to as a Level 2 survey
the detailed topographical and technical investigation of known or suspected mined areas
identified during the planning phase. Such areas would have been identified during any
information gathering activities or surveys which form part of the GMAA process or have been
otherwise reported.

3.250.
temporary marking system
a marking system having a stated finite period of use (c.f. permanent marking system).

3.251.
tender
to present to another entity an unconditional offer to enter into a contract.

3.252.
tender process
the process of calling for and evaluating tenders to select a preferred contractor.

3.253.
test
determination of one or more characteristics according to a procedure. [ISO 9000:2000]

3.254.
Test and Evaluation (T&E)
activities associated with the testing of hardware and software.

Note: Activities include the formation and use of procedures and standards, the reduction and
processing of data and the assessment and evaluation of test results and processed data
against criteria such as defined standards and specifications.

3.255.
test site
the site at which a series of test boxes or lanes are prepared for the purpose of operational
accreditation testing of MDD.

3.256.
theft resistant
construction designed to deter and/or delay illegal entry into facilities used for the storage of
explosives.

3.257.
threat
see mine threat

3.258.
TNT (2, 4, 6 Trinitrotoluene)
one of the most widely used military high explosives. TNT is very stable, non-hygroscopic and
relatively insensitive to impact, friction, shock and electrostatic energy. TNT is the most
widespread type of explosive used in mines and munitions.

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3.259.
tolerable risk
risk which is accepted in a given context based on current values of society. [ISO Guide
51:1999(E)]

3.260.
trial
a series of tests organised in a systematic manner, the individual results of which lead to an
overall evaluation of a component, equipment or system.

3.261.
turning point
a fixed point on the ground which indicates a change in direction of the perimeter of the
hazardous area. It shall be clearly marked and recorded. Buried metal objects should be used
to mark all turning points for permanent future reference.

3.262.
Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)
EO that has been primed, fuzed, armed or otherwise prepared for use or used. It may have
been fired, dropped, launched or projected yet remains unexploded either through malfunction
or design or for any other reason.

3.263.
unit rate
the rates agreed and accepted for specific priced activity items and quantities stated in a
contract.

3.264.
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
the focal point within the UN system for all mine-related activities.

Note: UNMAS is the office within the UN Secretariat responsible to the international community for
the development and maintenance of IMAS.

Note: UNICEF is the focal point for MRE, within the guidelines of UNMAS overall coordination.

3.265.
user
the individual or organisation that will operate the equipment.

Note: For the purpose of mine action, the user could also be defined as ‘a composite body of
informed and authoritative opinions on the needs of national commercial and NGO users,
today and in the future’.

3.266.
validation
the act of ratification that takes place after a process of verification.

3.267.
vector data
the use of X, Y coordinates to locate three basic types of landscape features; point, line and
areas.

Note: Points (towns, incident locations etc) are represented by a single pair of X, Y coordinates.
Lines (roads, rivers etc) are represented by a series of X, Y coordinate points connected in
order. Areas or polygons (lakes, boundaries etc) are represented by a set of X, Y coordinates
closing on itself and implying its interior.

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3.268.
verification
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence that specified requirements have been
fulfilled. [ISO 9000:2000]

3.269.
victim
an individual who has suffered harm as a result of a mine or UXO accident.

Note: In the context of victim assistance, the term victim may include dependants of a mine
casualty, hence having a broader meaning than survivor.

3.270.
victim assistance
survivor assistance
refers to all aid, relief, comfort and support provided to victims (including survivors) with the
purpose of reducing the immediate and long-term medical and psychological implications of
their trauma.

3.271.
village demining
self-supporting mine and/or UXO clearance and hazardous area marking, normally
undertaken by local inhabitants, on their own behalf or the behalf of their immediate community.
Often described as a self-help initiative or spontaneous demining, village demining usually sits
outside or in parallel with formal mine action structures, such as demining undertaken by
militaries or humanitarian demining such as is supported by the UN, international and national
non-governmental organisations, private enterprise and governments, among others.

3.272.
visitor
for the purposes of IMAS, a person who is neither a member of the demining organisation, nor
a demining worker accredited by the NMAA.

Note: In circumstances where the NMAA does not have an accreditation system the demining
organisation should determine the status of non-employees.

3.273.
White Phosphorous (WP)
a chemical smoke screening agent which burns in contact with air, (with serious anti-personnel
affect if the phosphorous comes in direct contact with people).

3.274.
workplace
all places where employees need to be or to go by reason of their work and which are under the
direct or indirect control of the employer. [ILO R164]

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Amendment record
Management of IMAS amendments
The IMAS series of standards are subject to formal review on a three-yearly basis, however this
does not preclude amendments being made within these three-year periods for reasons of
operational safety and efficiency or for editorial purposes.

As amendments are made to this IMAS they will be given a number, and the date and general
details of the amendment shown in the table below. The amendment will also be shown on the
cover page of the IMAS by the inclusion under the edition date of the phrase ‘incorporating
amendment number(s) 1 etc.’

As the formal reviews of each IMAS are completed new editions may be issued. Amendments
up to the date of the new edition will be incorporated into the new edition and the amendment
record table cleared. Recording of amendments will then start again until a further review is
carried out.

The most recently amended IMAS will be the versions that are posted on the IMAS website at
www.mineactionstandards.org.

Number Date Amendment Details

1 1 Dec 2004 1. Formatting changes.

2. Minor text editing changes.
3. Substantive changes:
a) New definitions: Abandoned Explosive Ordnance (AXO); agreement; air sampling
machine; audit; Bomb Live Unit (BLU); buffer zone; CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA);
contract; contractor; cost-plus contract; demining worker; demining worksite; destruction
organisation; ductility; education; emanation; epidemic disease; filter box; filter cartridge;
filter container; fixed price contract; flexible tube or pipe; force majeure; ground
preparation; ground processing; harmful event; hazardous situation; historical
verification; IATA; i/m; i/v; impact free; inspection; Landmine Impact Survey (LIS); letter
of agreement; mechanical application; Mine Action Coordination Centre (MACC); mine
action organisation; mine awareness; mine free; mine risk; mine risk reduction; mine
safe; Mine Threat Level (MTL); MRE organisation; MRE partner; national authority;
positive, negative and blank filters; post clearance inspection; preventative maintenance;
principal; programme; project; project management; proposal; public information
dissemination; quarantine; reasonably foreseeable misuse; recognition piece; reliable
(mine action) information; s/c; steel; target substance; tender; tender process; test site;
theft resistant; toughness (tensile); unit rate; village demining; visitor; weather resistant;
White Phosphorous (WP). (72 definitions).
b) Deleted definitions: expert opinion; mechanically-assisted clearance; public information.
c) Changed definitions: accreditation; area reduction; benchmark; box; briefing area;
burning ground; cancelled area (note only); cleared area (note only); community liaison
(and note); control area or point; critical non-conformity; demilitarisation (note only);
deminer; demining sub-unit; demolition ground; destruction; detection; disposal site; drill;
General Mine Action Assessment (GMAA) (and note); health; inspection; IMSMA (note
only); incident (change to the reference only); inert; intermediate point; licence; logistic
disposal; magazine; mine action; Mine Risk Education (MRE); monitoring; non-sparking
material; Preliminary Development (PD) (note only) (includes a ‘must’ changed to
‘should’); Quality Assurance (QA); Statement of Operational Need (SON); survey
marker; survivor (landmine/UXO); technical survey; threat; turning point; United Nations
Mine Action Service (UNMAS) (note only); usable area (note only); victim; victim
assistance.
2 23 Jul 2005 1. Clause 1, change to scope.
2. Clause 2, new sub clause n).
3. New definitions: Battle Area Clearance (BAC); European Normalisation (EN); Explosive
Remnants of War (ERW). (3 definitions).
4. Deleted definitions: air sampling machine; buffer zone; ductility; emanation; epidemic
disease; filter box; filter cartridge; filter container; flexible tube or pipe; historical
verification; i/m; i/v; I.A.T.A; mine safe; mine threat levels; organiser; positive, negative and
blank filters; preventative maintenance; quarantine; s/c; target substance; toughness;
weather resistance; undesirable scent; usable area. (25 definitions).
5. Changed definitions: Abandoned Explosive Ordnance (AXO); acceptance; box; burning
site; contractor; DNT (Dinitrotolulene); drill munition; Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD);
handover; Mine Risk Education (MRE); Quality Assurance (QA); RDX (1,3,5-
triazacylohexane; test site.

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